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Introduction of Provincial Legislation to Enable Ratification of the Tsawwassen Final Agreement

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Oct. 15, 2007) - The following statement was released by the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians:

"Earlier today, I stood with the Honourable Premier Gordon Campbell and Tsawwassen Chief Kim Baird to celebrate the introduction of provincial legislation to ratify the Tsawwassen Final Agreement.

Today's introduction of legislation in the British Columbia legislature marks the second stage of a three-stage ratification process. This process began earlier this year when Tsawwassen First Nation members made history by voting to approve the very first Final Agreement negotiated under the British Columbia treaty process. Following the passage of the provincial legislation, the Final Agreement will be presented to the Canadian Parliament for federal approval before it can be brought into effect.

The treaty will provide Tsawwassen First Nation with modern governance tools to build strong and workable relationships with other governments, and will also bring certainty and economic benefits to the entire Lower Mainland region.

This historic milestone shows what can be accomplished through a shared commitment to dialogue and by working together to seize the opportunity for a better, stronger future.

A backgrounder on the Tsawwassen First Nation Final Agreement is also available on the Internet at: www.inac.gc.ca